The New York Diaries: Too-True Tales of Urban Trauma

As long as surviving everyday life in New York City remains a badge of honor, the intrepid souls who earn this distinction will want to write about it. But few will do it with as much humor as Drennan does in this hilarious collection of anecdotes about the big-city stresses and absurdities that fill his world. Though Drennan's stream-of-consciousness writing style (beloved by the many fans of his Web site, inquisitor.com) does not lend itself to linear storytelling, the book does have a loose chronology, divided into such thematic chapters as ""Moving,"" ""The Building,"" ""Brunch"" and ""Rodentia."" In each section Drennan slowly builds from a calm observation to the kind of excitable ""Can-you-believe-this?"" venting one might direct at a close friend. He gives a bitingly funny edge to his musings on everything from odd neighbors to hellish jobs to the subway. But beneath the comical elements, readers will also find moments of emotional resonance. Drennan speaks openly of being a gay man and coming out to his family, his life with the man he affectionately calls ""the boyfriend,"" his love for his dog and the importance of friends. Urban warriors--especially New Yorkers--will find much that is familiar here, and readers everywhere will appreciate Drennan's original voice and fresh wit. (Sept.)